Category Archives: Travel

Parenting, Philadelphia, Photography, Travel

Clementon Park Review A Fun Family Day

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Clementon park review of the water park and the family entertainment.  Including a video review of the park    This week we went to Clementon Park in Clementon NJ.  The invite was blogging event from the Park and Ben Fm 95.7.  We woke up early to make the drive from our home in the north suburbs of Philadelphia.  Surprisingly at 9 in the morning it took us about 1 hour to arrive.
As we stepped out of the car at the park the skies opened up.. Rain. We figured it is a water park so we will be wet.   Clementon Park is so much more than just a water park.  The park has amazing dry rides. Roller Coasters and thrill rides. Like the new “Ring of Fire” added this year it is a circle loop ride.
Clementon Park is 104 years old this season and you would never know it.  They are on the cutting edge for thrill seeker and family fun.   This year they also added the “Drop Out”  the only one in the US, the water tubes fills up with water to your waist then the floor drops out.. sending you jetting  down the tube.  What an adrenaline rush.


Finally the rain parted,  all of us Bloggers  were lucky to have the park almost to ourselves. We headed for  Splash World! They have a lazy river and other tube rides.   Our favorite was the Laguna Kahuna which was a water castle/fort  with 8 slides all of which my 6 year old daughter could do.  She started with the smaller slide then progressively moved up to the larger ones .. “Thats the little kids were not allowed on that slide “  She was so proud when she rode the largest of the Laguna Kahuna slides.   The Laguna is great to help build your child’s sliding confidence.
My son and husbands did the larger tubes and.. my son kept saying “cool” and “awesome”.   He occasionally stopped buy to get money for food. Which the food was very reasonable priced.  Chicken fingers were $5 for 3 large breast meat fillets.  The meals were $8.
The size of Clementon Park is manageable for you to do in a day.   They have all the rides of a large commercial park but a family environment..  I knew if my 10 year old walk away with his new found friend (another bloggers son) we could find him.  Which is a great feeling.
We also enjoyed the lazy river. Clementon Park had a ton of places to sit and with shade.   They also had a inside play bounce area for toddlers.   The bathrooms were very tidy .  They even took the care to have a large floor fan to insure the safety of the guest on the bathroom tile since the rain was slippery.

I would recommend Clementon Park for your entire family.  After living in Philadelphia for 8 years and it was great to discover such a fun place for us to enjoy as an entire family.

It was a fan day thank you to Joey Fortman, BenFM 957,  and Clementon Park for having us.

Disclosure:  I did receive entrance to Clementon Park.  But all the opinions stated in this post are of my own.

Philadelphia, Photography, Travel

Wine Ferraris and Photos

So this weekend I was looking for something different to do that got us close to Delaware border.. I wanted to do some tax free shopping. So I found the Penn Woods Winery Festival.  It was for a good cause The Little Rock Foundation, benefiting children who are blind or visually impaired.  The main reason I thought my husband might like it was because of the Ferrari’s Club of Penn and Jersey was attending 20 cars displayed.  It was fun for the kids to see.  The Jazz music really added the the atmosphere.

My favorite think I saw in the Ferraris was a needle pointed tissue cozy.   It just made me giggle a $200,000 car with a cozy.

They also had Ferrari peddle cars for adults with disk breaks.. I did not ask how  much.. because we have no place to drive it..

The other thing that I thought was the twist to box wines .. a paint can from Paradox wines. really cool

For me I was happy because it was a photo opportunity for me to use my Nikon 3100.   The had the cars the wine and a great old barn back drop.  Loved it.

So that is what I did this past weekend?

Parenting, Travel

Scientist for the Day: Review OceanQuest

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Recently we returned from a lovely vacation in Cape Cod Massachusetts where we discovered OceanQuest Cruise located in Woods Hole as great thing to do with kids.  While in Cape Cod,  I wanted to do a very special experience with my kids and different OceanQuest fit the bill perfect.

OceanQuest is an oceanography cruise that teaches you about the science of the sea. Woods Hole Ma cape cod which is a fishing village and also know as a leading a major center of marine science education area in the world.  In the town is the oldest National Aquarium in the country and  it is located blocks away from the OceanQuest docks, so you can make a full day of the visit.

We arrive at the cruise with my 2 kids, my niece and nephew ages ages from 10-6.  The cruise is broken into 3 parts lasting about 1 ½ total boat time.  Cost about $25 adults $20 for kids reservations are recommended.   Our group was lead by Fox. He has been with Ocean Quest for 11 years and has a great knowledge of the sea, (Fox has even fished in Alaska. which my son was in awe of. ) Once arriving we split into small groups of about 8 people.

As you pull out of the dock,  you learn about Woods Hole some of the history of the area, How cape cod was formed from glaciers, and the arctic shelf.  Our guide Fox did a great job teaching us.  We learned why Cape Cod is great fishing area.   Th also taught us about water testing.  Which we then got to try for ourselves 2 different methods, the kids loved the hands on experience.   My niece got to record our findings.

Next, we moved to live animal tank in the stern.  This was great the kids loved it they got to touch and learn about all the marine life.  Fox taught us the difference between male and female horse shoe crabs. Also that there is more plankton in the world then any other species even bugs.  All of the kids got to touch starfish, lobsters, craps, and more.  My daughter and nephew got to pull in a lobster trap and see what was inside.  So cool for all.

Final of the OceanQuest  tour was learning about how the ocean water effects the earth.  We did the same test oceanographers do to  water testing for ph levels.  They measuring alkaline levels. All the kids took part in the test, and were happy to do so .  Recording there findings.  Once we arrive back at the dock Fox was great with answering all my sons additional questions.

I have to say the Staff on the OceanQuest hands on discovery cruise were extreme knowledgeable and fun.  Fox spoke so the kids understood  and the adults we engaged also. The scenery was amazing  the water the view of the harbor be sure to bring a camera.   Both kids and adults loved learning about the animals and the water.

Upon return from our vacation on the cape.  My kids were asked what was their favorite part of vacation,   both said the OceanQuest Trip hands down. It was unique and fun trip for the whole family.   If you get up to the cape I can highly recommend the Oceanquest Tour and visiting Woods Hole Ma.

To see with your eyes look at our video. If you would like to learn more about our trip to Cape Cod  Mass. check out my full itinerary of Woods Hole  and our visit.

Disclosure: We did receive pass to attend the OceanQuest but all the opinions in this post are of my own

 

Travel

The Amish Village: a glimpse in a diffrent world

 

I went to Lancaster County Pa, I was fortunate to learn alot about the Amish. The place where I learned it was the Amish village, when I first arrive I was not sure what to think,  but after listening I learns  many things  I never knew about the Amish. Which is the point of the Amish village,  to educate us “the English” about the ways of the Amish. I learned the Amish do not have churches they take turn worshiping in each others homes ever 2 weeks. Also you can identify an Amish home because they always have green pull down shades.

The tour starts with the house and then you can walk through the Amish life. After the house your are fee to do a self guide tour of   the school, black smith, and barns. They also had animals like pigs, miniature ponies, and more. We really enjoyed learning about all the random facts which make us the same yet different from each other.

My daughter love the schoolhouse she wanted to stay and play teacher all day.  My son thought the barns and smoke house where cool he cant imagine living with no electric.

The Amish village was started by the grandmother of the current owner. She want to teach people about the Amish. I was told the Amish like the idea because it keeps people from exploring on there property. The Amish People are private and keep to themselves.
Take a look at The Amish Village if you get out to the Lancaster area. For me since I love simplicity of the Amish Life style it was a glimpse of a simpler life.

Travel

Choo Choo Barn Fun for the whole family

 

During our Trip to Lancaster we got to Visit the Choo Choo Barn. Located near other trains in Lancaster county is a fun stop to see model trains. My children love seeing all the light and train special effects.  They have 22 model trains in the layout. It takes you back to the day when your dad set up a great work in the basement with trains.

The Choo Choo Barn started 50 years ago as a hobby Groff home on Franklin Street in Strasburg.   Mr. Groff use to have the local school kids come to visit the train layout.  Then it became a Lancaster attraction. I enjoyed talking with all the people who have been part of the history of the model. You can enjoy finding all the Lancaster landmarks. We I loved the level of detail in the display. Like the  Turkey Hill Gas Station has the current price of gas in lights.   I was told it takes over 70+ different connections to make gas sign light up. WOW the Train display is a true labor of love.  My son entranced by the lights and said a big thank you when we left.. so it pleased my 10 year old.

The Choo Choo Barn is a fun stop along your Lancaster travels it will take about an hour to walk through slowly with the kids.

Check out the other place I stopped during our weekend in Lancaster. The Dbl Tree Hotel and Stasburg Rail Road

Disclosure:  We did receive these tickets from the Choo Choo Barn but the opinions in this post are completely mine and those of my family.

Travel

Double Tree Resort Lancaster- U can Win a Stay too

 

So recently we went on a trip to Lancaster we stayed at the Double Tree Resort Lancaster by Hilton.   When you enter the hotel you are greeted by a friendly staff with cookies.  After a long day in Lancaster and  the Double Tree was a welcome place to rest out tired feet. This hotel location so close to Philadelphia (about 1 hour) and it is a prefect place to stay when in beautiful Lancaster.

The room we choose was a suite which had everything you would come to enjoy from a Hilton hotel:

  • 1 king bed- modern and comfy
  • 1 queen bed- did I have to get up in the morning
  • 2 separate rooms-  with a door so we could close the door and watch Tv without the kids
  • 2 flat screens
  • pillow menu
  • coffee pot
  • hair dryer
  • iron
  • refrigerator

The resort has a lovely atrium on the middle of the hotel which many of the inside rooms faced in feel like they are outside. The lobby is spacious but makes you feel invited in to the area. My daughter kept saying hotel was grand and made her feel like a princess.  The ground of the hotel are just as special as the inside of the hotel, with a connecting golf course complete with willow trees.  Walking around the property is very relaxing.

The Double Tree  caters to a families.  With StarFish Cove an arts and craft area for the kids.  My son made me a bracelet and my daughter made ceramic bank such a fun stop.  They have different crafts all week long like tie pillows and tee shirt all for a small fee $3-5.  The ladies who run the Star Fish cove are wonderfully really engaging to the kids.  I had to drag mine out of there they would have talked to them all night.  The hotel  also has scavenger hunts and hay rides for all the family to enjoy.

The Double Tree Pool area is second to none in the Lancaster area.  The pool is exceptional clean and well maintained. They have plenty of chairs to sit and watch the children.  There is a large slides for older kids and a little slide for little kids.  They also have a more traditional pool area with a large pool and lap pool.   It was amazing my kids did not want to leave, and we were told, once we check out we could enjoy the pool the rest of the day,  which we did.  Then we took advantage of  the pool showers to clean prior to going home.  The  1st question my kids asked was when can we come back.

I highly recommend The Double Tree Lancaster it is about 1 hour outside of Philadelphia  and close to many of the Lancaster attraction.. So an easy getaway the whole family will love.

So now it is your turn,  win a a stay at the resort Double Tree Lancaster Win a Vacation

Be sure to check out my review of things to do in Lancaster. Strasburg Rail Road

 

Disclosure:  My family and I were guest of the Double Tree during our visit, the opinions stated in this post are all of my own opinion.

 

 

Photography, Travel

Strasburg Rail Road Video and Review

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The Strasburg RailRoad in Lancaster county is a fun thing to do while  in southern Pennsylvania.  Take a old world train ride with the family and kids.

Our family traveled through the Lancaster countryside for a fun filled Choo Choo day of trains at the Strasburg Rail Road.  If you have not experienced Lancaster County, it  is one of the prettiest county in all of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg train is a great way to enjoy it. Lancaster County is known for the Amish people who live there,   The Amish keep their farms perfectly maintained with pride.   It is a place that my husband and I say if we could live here we would, it is so laid back and relaxing.

It takes about an hour from Philadelphia to Strasburg Rail Road on RT202 to RT30 this my recommend route to get the full farm experience. Our ride was filled with beautiful views, sounds from the backseat  “Are we there yet” in excitement and the song lyrics too ..”Come on ride the train woo woo” (Now you will be singing it – you can thank me later)

Upon arriving Strasburg Rail Road  we walk in past the train yard. Which has different trains and you can view the  cars including the snow plow train (it is the one with the point front end.. as my husband informed us.) The walking route takes you to the ticket booth.  I recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time so as not to miss the train experience. Sometimes the tickets sell out early, especially on  Day out with  Thomas Tank Engine visits or Mystery Train trips.

The trains arrives every 45 minutes which gives you time to experience the station shops:

  • Candy/Fudge shop: handmade on the premise fudge and Amish treats available. tip:  We loved the Watermelon Fudge!
  • Restaurant: with a variety of American and Pennsylvania Dutch fare like Shoo Fly Pie- a must try
  • Ice cream cart
  • Rail Road Store Thomas Tank Engine: for everything you can imagine from the land of Sodor
  • Rail Road Gift shop: My son a micro/binocular for $5 and my Daughter a little trinket for $1 so reasonable mementos, plus items for the more mature tastes like jewelry and glassware.
  • Cagney Steam Train, a miniature version; operate a hand-powered
  • Pump Car where you work for your ride
  • Cranky Car watch the little ones “steer” the pint-sized 

When you hear the whistles, head for the tracks because the train’s arrival is glorious.  Strausburg Steam Engine pulls in and you are transformed back in time when a people travel in style. It takes several minutes to come to a complete stop, so you really get to see the entire train.  It is a real steam engine fueled by coal and you can see the coal car with the engineer from the platform.  The Song in my head switched to the Thomas song.. I know I had to go there.

Our tickets were coach class and we could have not asked for better seats. They were covered in red velvet with large open windows- “Very Fabulous” as my daughter did say.  The Strasburg Rail Road spared no expense renovating these trains to their former glory.  The cars are well maintained and just as pretty as the day they were constructed in the early 19th century.   The brass,wood, and lovely metal work inside and out was amazing.

The conductor comes and takes your ticket.  He is dressed in period clothing, he was nice enough to pose for a picture. I think my daughter was beaming with excitement the entire time.  My 10 year old son… kept saying  “cool” so I knew we hit the new experience “sweet spot” with the preteen.

The trip lasts about 45 minutes with a switching direction in Paradise PA…(song switch Paradise City). Plus one stop at a picnic area so you can get off and wait for the next west bound train .  The conductor explains the history of the Strasburg Line during your train travels.   My husband and I switched sides of the trains so we got to see both views from the train  on our trip, since the train is on a loop.  The scenery from the train of Lancaster countryside is truly lovely and relaxing.  It was a great family experience that we will all treasure forever.

Thank you to the Strasburg Rail Road for having us. Please be sure to stay tuned to see where else we visited and stayed in Lancaster.

Disclosure:  We did receive these tickets from the rail road but the opinions in this post are completely mine and those of my family.

Travel

Harold and the Purple Crayon the Play

adventures of Harold pruple crayon

This past Friday I was invited with my daughter to see Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon presented by the Enchantment Theater.  The play was a fun adventure.  My daughter and her friend sat on the edge of their seats.   The performance based on the book  by Crockett Johnsons and  it is a wonderful adaption.  Telling the originally Johnson story then the play writes  expanding to evolve the story for the children watching the play.

The actors to not speak ,  the story is told by a narrator,  actors movements, and a animated backdrop.  The actors wear mask which at first,  I thought would be a concerning  to the kids, but the were not scared at all.   I showed my daughter ahead of time what the actors would look like and she loved it.

The play was recommended for ages 4+ but there was many 3 year old in the audience.  I love watching theater will younger kids they talk to the play and make noises you do not hear in adult plays.    The actors did a wonderful job grabbed the  kids attention by using their bodies and simple props.  They also have a bit of magic in the play, which my daughter loved.    After the play ended the actors spend time answering questions from the children.

If you live in Philadelphia or get a chance to see these talent actors on the road I would go.   It is playing at the Prince Theater on Chestnut Street but presented by the Enchantment Theater.

Now May 11-22, 2011

Check out my daughters Video review of the performance.

Be sure to follow me on twitter at @babypop for more of the fun things I do in and around Philadelphia

Disclosure:  I did receive these tickets from the Enchantment theater but the opinions in this post are of my own.

Philadelphia, Travel

A Day at Sesame Place

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cookie monster

So this past week my daughter and I  went to Sesame Place with a friend CecilyK it was a fun day.  Cecily daughter and mine had a wonderful afternoon. We walked with and I got to know fellow Philadelphia Dresden.  We got to see all the big stars at Sesame Place in Langhorn.

We are able to see all the characters at a right before the new parade which was amazing and fun.  My daughter loved it.

We also got to see the new  Rock n Roll Elmo live Show.  And Elmos World Live show worth Mr. Noodle.

Then we got play.  The Monster Maze was a favorite the girls went in and ended playing in the sand for quite some time,  Then they played on the Ernie bed bounce which was fun.

There is also a ton of water rides at  Sesame Place my daughter said that the opening day was a little too cold .  We have come in the past with both my kids and my son 9 loved it because of the water rides.

It was a lovely day that to Cecily and Sesame Place for having me.

Disclosure:  I did not receive and compensation for this post. Sesame Place did allow me to  attend the day and  but the opinions are of my own.


Travel, Uncategorized

Getting Gorgeous with Degree in NYC

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Getting Gorgeous with Degree

This Past week I was fortunate to attend the Getting Gorgeous with Degree in NYC.  The hosts were super smart business women Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney.  These ladies put on an amazing day for about 300 women.

I drove to new york with Chrissy,  Once we arrived the line was out the door waiting to get in. Inside we were treated by a mimosa from Simply Orange.  It was such a refreshing way to kick of the day.  The we walk around to see the lovely event sponsors.

The Product:

Flip out Sandals they gave us a which are adorable. They have twist off embellishments on the front,  so you can change your shoes look.  Cool right! Discount Get 20% off All Shoes and Shoe Jewelry at shop.flipoutsandals.com. Use code GORG at Checkout. Offer expires 12/31/2011.

It was so great catching up with old/new friends and sampling Cupcakes from Georgetown cupcakes..I might have to move to DC.

Michael Duenas Hair Room Service was present doing everyone’s hair.  Catlin McKnight got her totally curly hair straighten.

It was such a wonderful day I also got to meet Liz Lange and Jane Wagman of Shopafrolic.   Shopafrolic is a go to source daily what to buy and not buy in fashion.  Great for busy women to have one place to go for all that fashion advice.  It is like having a sister with great fashion taste.  They were wonderful and so approachable.  Please be sure to check my upcoming post on meeting the girls.. yes it warrants it own post..hello it’s Liz and Jane

liz Lange and jane wagman with babypop

Miracle Body and Miraclesuit was there showing the amazing bathing suits. They make you look 10 pound lighter in seconds   The Miraclesuit tip they gave me was buy the jeans 1 size smaller and the swim suit 1 size larger. The also gave us a discount for  the suits Cyberswim Discount Code http://www.cyberswim.com/ use discount code GGNYC 20% off

cyberswim discount

I had such a great time catching up with culture travel  writer Holly Culture Mommy, travel writer Carol from NYC Mama, and Home style writers Elise Jones and Mae Hacking from Here in the house.  Check out there sites

While I was there I got to try Moes new  dip being offered a Bjs and the white bean dip is sure to be a hit at your next party BJs wholesale club.

I also got a chance to learn about Weight Watchers new online line weight loss program.  So excited to learn about the points plus program and check it out on line.  It is very interactive and awesome tips so you can be successful in your weight loss journey and healthy lifestyle.

So after the girls got there makeup done by lifetime moms and pictures taken with Drop Dead Diva.  Check out Trina for Oboyorganic great Philadelphia organic food chef.

Afterward we were in NYC so we did some shopping  and off the dinner at a amazing Mexican place Casa Rosa .

Organization expert Molly, Pa Parenting resource Chrissy, Trina

So more other wonderful sponsors that made this day possible:

Hanes-  I love there new comfort socks

sarahpotempa.com Deal: $50 off the purchase of a titanium or ceramic flat iron at . Enter promo code GG2011 at Checkout. Offer expires 9/1/2011.

Goody–  it is not the goody you remember such great new products

Sandals resorts

Dream Water

Studio Jewel  check out here artisan jewelry

Tide to go…life saver

Affresh

NYX Professional Makeup

Want to see more pictures check out my flickr set from Getting Gorgeous

Thanks you to the Vera and Audrey for such a wonderful relaxing day.

Check out my BabyPop Capes Facebook Page to stay in on more adventures

*I was offered an invitation to Getting Gorgeous with Degree in NYC and provided a swag bag. I was not compensated in any way for this post, and as always, my opinions are strictly my own.